Sapa Travel Guide: 8 Best Places to Visit in Sapa

This Sapa travel guide will share necessary information about Sapa and Sapa tourism, helping tourists prepare thoroughly for their upcoming trip. Experience in traveling to Sapa and information about tourist destinations in Sapa are essential and useful for travelers as well as young people who want to travel to Sapa independently. Throughout this Sapa travel guide, readers will find valuable tips and insights into exploring the beauty of Sapa and making the most of their journey.

Where is Sapa located?

Sapa, or Sa Pa, is a town located in Lao Cai province, Vietnam. The name of the town originates from the original Sa Pa township. This Sapa travel guide will provide you with detailed insights into this enchanting destination. Established in 1905, the Sa Pa township was identified by the French as an ideal location for a resort area, and they executed that intention. Sapa is home to six ethnic groups including the Kinh, H’Mong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho.

Situated in the northwest of Vietnam, the town of Sapa has an average elevation ranging from 1,500 meters to 1,800 meters above sea level, about 33 kilometers from Lao Cai city and approximately 317 kilometers from Hanoi. Besides the main road from Lao Cai city, there is another route leading to Sapa, which is National Highway 4D connecting from Binh Lu commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province.

 

Throughout this Sapa travel guide, you’ll discover the unique climate of the region, exhibiting characteristics of a temperate zone with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 18 °C. Although located in Northern Vietnam, this region should have a tropical monsoon climate, but due to its high altitude and proximity to the tropic line, Sa Pa often experiences a sub-tropical, temperate climate with cool air throughout the year.

During the summer, the weather in Sapa often changes by the hour, and sometimes a day can go through all four seasons: the morning feels like spring, the midday is like summer with sunshine and cool air, the afternoon may have clouds and fog making the atmosphere cool like autumn, and at night it becomes cold like winter. Sapa is one of the rare places in Vietnam where snowfall occurs.

The weekly market days in Sapa are typically lively on Saturday evenings and extend until Sunday. This Sapa travel guide recommends exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Sapa Market, often called the “Love Market” because here, young people from the H’Mong and Red Dao ethnic groups can use traditional music instruments like the panpipe, flute, mouth organ, horn, or even singing to seek or meet their lovers.

Read More: Things to know before visiting Sapa

Sapa Sapa Travel Guide

Best Times to Travel to Sapa

According to the Sapa travel guide and the experiences of most tourists, the best times to visit Sapa are in spring (from February to May) and autumn (from September to November). However, due to the unique characteristics of Sapa, any time of the year is suitable for tourism. There is just one consideration: travelers should think twice about visiting Sapa from June to August as this marks the beginning of the rainy season, even flash floods. Heavy rainfall leads to landslides, posing dangers and hindering traffic. Each season in Sapa, as recommended by the Sapa travel guide, has its own beauty:

• Spring in Sapa (from February to May): This is a special time when various flowers bloom, especially cherry blossoms and plum blossoms. The landscape of Sapa becomes vibrant with thousands of flowers covering hillsides, slopes, valleys, and roads, creating a colorful picture. The cool and pleasant weather of spring in Sapa, as suggested by the Sapa travel guide, is an ideal choice for tourists.
• Summer in Sapa (from June to August): It is usually recommended for those who want to escape the heat of other regions. Although the temperature in Sapa remains cool and pleasant compared to other areas, there may still be rain. This time is suitable for admiring terraced fields and fresh vegetable gardens. Sapa, as indicated in the Sapa travel guide, also begins to turn into the fresh green color of crops, creating a new and refreshing landscape.
• Autumn in Sapa (from September to November): This is the time when rice ripens and the scenery of the Northwest mountains becomes splendid with shiny yellow. During this season, Sapa is enveloped in the golden color of ripe rice, creating a beautiful and appealing scenery that attracts tourists, as highlighted in the Sapa travel guide.
• Winter in Sapa (from December to February): It is the time of cold and snowfall. This is an opportunity for tourists, according to the Sapa travel guide, to experience the freezing atmosphere of the mountains and admire the scene of pure white snow covering everything. Winter is also the time when cherry blossoms begin to bloom, creating a beautiful and romantic image, especially enjoyable when shared with loved ones, as recommended by the Sapa travel guide.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Sapa: When is the best time to travel to Sapa?

Transportation for Sapa Travel

According to the Sapa travel guide and the experiences of most tourists, the most suitable means of transportation to reach Sapa are sleeper buses, trains, motorcycles, private cars, and airplanes:

• Sleeper buses: This is one of the most popular modes of transportation to Sapa. Bus companies such as Sapa Express, Inter Bus Line, Green Bus, Ha Son Hai Van, among others, provide quality services at affordable prices. The travel time from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 5 hours, with various departure times available.
• Trains: This is also a popular choice, especially for those who want to experience the beautiful scenery along the railway. Train journeys from Hanoi to Lao Cai station usually take place overnight and last about 8 hours.
• Motorcycles or private cars: If you prefer flexibility and freedom in your itinerary, you can use motorcycles or private cars. However, it’s important to consider weather conditions and road conditions. This is especially important during the rainy season when the roads can become difficult and dangerous.
• Airplanes: This is a convenient option for those with limited time and who want to avoid long journeys. Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are popular departure points for flights to Sapa. In the near future, Lao Cai Airport will also expand its flight network to Sapa, providing additional convenience for travelers.

Regarding transportation within Sapa, according to the Sapa travel guide and the experiences of most tourists, the most suitable means of transportation are motorcycles and cars, either rented or self-driven:

• Renting motorcycles: Motorcycles are a popular choice favored for their ability to freely explore every corner of Sapa at will. Especially for young and experienced travelers, riding motorcycles is an exciting experience. Traveling in groups is also encouraged for necessary support. Motorcycle rental prices typically range from 100,000 VND to 130,000 VND per day.
• Renting cars: Cars are an ideal choice for group travelers. Renting a car allows you to travel comfortably without depending on the weather. However, the limitation of renting a car is that you can only travel in areas outside the town. To explore deeper villages, you may consider renting motorcycles or walking. Car rental prices typically start from 500,000 VND.

Read More: Sapa Transportation: Best way to travel around and how to travel to Sapa?

Sapa Travel Guide: Where to Stay

Based on the Sapa travel guide and the experiences of many tourists, the best types of accommodation when visiting Sapa are hotels, resorts, guesthouses, homestays, or staying in local villages.

Sapa Travel Guide – Hotels/Resorts:

• If you want a luxurious vacation, 4-star or 5-star hotels/resorts are the best choice according to the Sapa travel guide. These establishments typically range from 2 to 3.5 million VND per night. Some popular options include Sapa Jade Hill, Pao’s 5-star Sapa, Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa. Additionally, 3-star hotels such as Icon 36 Hotel, Sapa Garden Hotel, Sapa Vista Hotel are suitable options with prices ranging from about 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND per night.
• Advantages: Provide modern facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, spas, and excellent outdoor views, avoiding inconvenience from insects, as recommended by the Sapa travel guide.
• Disadvantages: High cost, suitable for those with a generous budget; limited menu options and potential long waiting times.

Sapa Travel Guide – Guesthouses:

• Guesthouses in Sapa usually offer quality similar to that of hotels, as suggested by the Sapa travel guide. Although they do not provide luxurious experiences, they still offer beds, mattresses, TVs, and air conditioning for tourists to rest and explore Sapa.
• Advantages: Affordable prices, suitable for students or families; prices range from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per day on weekdays and from 500,000 VND to 600,000 VND per day on weekends, according to the Sapa travel guide.
• Disadvantages: Room quality may not be as high as hotels.

Sapa Travel Guide – Homestays:

• Homestays are the best choice for those who want to experience the life of local people, as highlighted by the Sapa travel guide.
• Advantages: Interaction with the local community; affordable prices and interesting experiences with the life of local people.
• Disadvantages: Evenings may be somewhat boring due to fewer entertainment options; shared restroom facilities.

Sapa Travel Guide – Staying in Local Villages:

• Staying in local villages is a unique experience when traveling to Sapa, as mentioned in the Sapa travel guide.
• Advantages: Interaction with the local community; evenings may include cultural performances and enjoying local specialties; more exploration of local culture and customs.
• Disadvantages: Shared restroom facilities.

Read More: Where to Stay in Sapa: Best Places to Stay in Sapa

Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat

Based on the Sapa travel guide and the experiences of many tourists, some delicious dishes and specialties of Sapa that diners shouldn’t miss when visiting here are “cốn sủi” (flat noodles), sour pho, “bún chả” (vermicelli with grilled pork), salmon, black chicken, “lợn cắp nách” (hand-carried piglets), “thắng cố” (sticky rice with steamed pork), colorful sticky rice, chestnut cake, bamboo-tube rice, and “thịt gác bếp” (grilled meat). To fully enjoy these affordable delicacies in Sapa, you can wander around the central area of Sapa town or join the ethnic minority markets, such as Bac Ha market, Coc Ly market, Muong Hum market, etc.

• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – “Cốn Sủi” (Flat Noodles): “Cốn sủi” is a dish made with flat noodles somewhat similar to pho but served with a thick, fragrant sauce instead of broth. A bowl of “cốn sủi” typically contains noodles, crispy fried potatoes, pork belly, and boiled egg. Just add some pepper and chili for a rich flavor, then enjoy it with a few aromatic mint leaves to make “cốn sủi” a memorable dish when in Sapa. (Price range: 35,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl).
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Sour Pho: “Phở chua” (sour pho) is a mixed pho dish that is relatively simple to prepare but is a delicious Sapa specialty with the characteristic flavor of mountainous areas. This dish includes pho noodles, char siu pork, pickled vegetables, mango, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a little fried shallot. When eating, mix everything together so that the sauce permeates every strand of pho. Just hearing about it makes your stomach growl, doesn’t it? (Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl).
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – “Bún Chả” (Vermicelli with Grilled Pork): Sapa’s “bún chả” is nothing like its counterpart in Hanoi! This is a type of hot vermicelli soup with a sour-sweet broth made from tomatoes and bone broth. The “chả” (grilled pork) here consists of fried spring rolls, grilled fish cakes, grilled meat, and mushrooms, served with fresh herbs. (Price range: 35,000 – 40,000 VND/portion).
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Salmon: With its temperate climate and low water temperatures, the people of Sapa have successfully bred rainbow trout. Sapa salmon is not too fatty but firm, with an eye-catching pink color. There are countless delicious dishes made from Sapa salmon, such as sashimi with soy sauce and wasabi, salmon salad, grilled salmon, etc. However, the dish that leaves the most lasting impression on tourists is probably the salmon hotpot. Fresh pieces of salmon dipped in hot and sour broth, served with some fresh Northwest vegetables, is undoubtedly the most suitable dish for a cold evening. (Price range: 200,000 – 500,000 VND/pot).
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Black Chicken: Black chicken, also known as “evil chicken,” is a typical breed of the Northwest region raised by the Mong people in their gardens. Black chickens are quite small, only about 300g – 1kg, and have black skin, meat, and bones. Black chicken meat is usually firm, flavorful, and slightly chewy, not only high in nutritional value but also considered a remedy in traditional medicine. (Price: 300,000 VND/chicken).
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Indigenous Pig: The indigenous pig is a small pig, weighing only about 6kg, a crossbreed between wild boars and Muong pigs, raised by local indigenous people in the forest. At the market, you will see people carrying pigs in baskets, on their shoulders, or even tucked under their armpits, hence the name “indigenous pig.” However, the indigenous pig is indeed “small but mighty” because it is raised freely in the forest, making the meat firmer and interspersed with fat, both chewy and tender. The best indigenous pig meat is when it’s grilled over charcoal until the skin turns crispy and golden. (Price: 130,000 VND/plate).

• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Thắng cố: If you go to Sapa and haven’t tried the thắng cố dish, it’s a big miss. Thắng cố is usually made mainly from horse meat, but it can also be made from beef and buffalo. The meat and organs of the horse are cut into squares and cooked with 12 types of spices, including herbs, cinnamon, lemongrass, ginger, etc. Thắng cố is usually cooked in a large pot, and when served, it’s scooped into a hotpot and served with dipping vegetables like cabbage, water spinach, or hot pot vegetables. (Price range: 80,000 – 100,000 VND/ bowl)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Xôi ngũ sắc – Xôi bảy màu: Xôi ngũ sắc (Five-color sticky rice) and xôi bảy màu (Seven-color sticky rice) are both symbolic dishes representing the cultural identity of each ethnic group in Sapa. The Tày ethnic group’s five-color sticky rice comes in red, green, purple, white, and yellow, symbolizing the five elements and the desire for prosperity. The Nùng Dín ethnic group’s seven-color sticky rice features vibrant colors like bright red, dark red, brown, purple, yellow, green, and blue, symbolizing the seven historic resistance months. (Price: From 10,000 VND/ portion)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Bánh hạt dẻ: The rustic aroma of bánh hạt dẻ (Chestnut cake) has made it one of the favorite dishes among travelers in recent years. The outer crust of the cake is made from wheat flour, while the filling consists of finely ground chestnuts mixed with a little sugar, then fried golden brown in oil. (Price: From 5,000 – 8,000 VND/ piece)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Mèn mén: Mèn Mén is a traditional dish made from corn of the Mông people. From the ingredients to the cooking process, this delicious Sapa dish is very elaborate. Corn grown on high hills, fragrant and chewy, after being harvested, will be separated, ground finely, and sifted. Corn is mixed with water at an accurate ratio enough to make the dough smooth but not too dry or too soggy. Then this mixture will be steamed twice so that the mèn mén is cooked, soft, and fragrant. (Price: From 10,000 VND/ bowl)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Thịt gác bếp: The Black Thai people created this way to preserve meat for food reserves during forest trips or long rainy seasons. The unique flavor of thịt gác bếp (smoked meat) is created by the leaves of mắc khén (a type of wild pepper) found nowhere else. This has made smoked meat uniquely special and a favorite Sapa dish that tourists love to buy as gifts. (Price: From 600,000 – 800,000 VND/ kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Eat – Cơm lam: Cơm lam (bamboo-tube rice) is a characteristic dish, indispensable in the Northwest region. Local people often eat bamboo-tube rice with grilled skewered meat or sesame salt. The fragrant, sticky rice along with the richly flavored skewers, combined with the salty, nutty taste of sesame salt, will surely satisfy your hunger on a cold night instantly. (Price: From 10,000 VND/ tube)

Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy

Based on the Sapa travel guide experience of many tourists, the specialties of Sapa that visitors should buy as gifts include smoked buffalo meat, forest mushrooms, smoked salt, Mường Khương chili sauce, wood ear mushrooms, Sapa plums, Sapa bamboo shoots, tamarind preserves, San Lùng Sapa wine, and almonds.

• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Smoked buffalo meat: Selected from quality buffalo meat, it is marinated with spices and smoked for 8 months to 1 year. (Price reference: 700,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Forest mushrooms: A distinctive dish of Sapa’s mountainous region, renowned for its delicious and clean taste. (Price reference: 270,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Smoked salt: A unique product of Sapa made from salt combined with spices like Sichuan pepper, herbs, chili, and ginger. (Price reference: 120,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Mường Khương chili sauce: Known for its unique flavor from maize chilies, reflecting the taste of the region. (Price reference: 100,000 VND/liter)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Wood ear mushrooms: With white flesh and fan-shaped caps, these mushrooms boast a distinctive natural flavor. (Price reference: 60,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Sapa plums: Featuring a sweet, tangy taste, ideal for snacks. (Price reference: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Tamarind preserves: Offering a tangy, salty, and fragrant taste of tamarind, a refreshing and enticing snack. (Price reference: 170,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Almonds: With a rich and nutty flavor, almonds are a delightful choice for tourists. (Price reference: 50,000 VND/kg)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – San Lùng Sapa wine: A distinctive wine of the Red Dao people, known for its special and mildly spicy taste. (Price reference: 90,000 VND/liter)
• Sapa Travel Guide: What to Buy – Sapa bamboo shoots: With a mildly sweet taste and minimal bitterness, these bamboo shoots are an interesting choice for meals. (Price reference: 200,000 VND/kg)

Read More: What to Buy in Sapa: Best Sapa Souvenirs

Sapa Travel Guide: Considerations Regarding Expenses

Based on Sapa travel guide experience, to save money on your trip, consider the following:

• Choose the right timing: Avoid peak days like holidays, Tet (Vietnamese New Year), or weekends when Sapa is most crowded, especially during the snowy season. This helps you avoid high surcharges.
• Opt for budget hotels: Hotels located far from the town center often have lower prices, around 30-50% less compared to those near Fansipan peak or Sapa center.
• Choose basic sleeper bus tickets: Instead of VIP or double sleeper tickets, opt for basic ones to save costs.
• Dine at budget eateries: Avoid large, upscale restaurants to reduce expenses.
• Rent a motorbike for transportation: Renting a motorbike can be a cost-effective and flexible option for your trip.

Read More: Cost to Sapa trip: How much does it cost to go Sapa?

Sapa Travel Locations: 8 Best Places to Visit in Sapa

Based on the Sapa travel guide experience of many tourists, the destinations that visitors should visit when coming to Sapa are Swing Sapa, Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van Village, Dragon Cloud Bridge, Sin Chai Village, Sapa Story, Silver Waterfall, and Den Village.

1. Sapa Travel Guide – Swing Sapa:

• Location: Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND/person
• Situated right in the heart of Sapa town, Swing Sapa not only attracts young enthusiasts for check-ins but is also an ideal destination for travelers from all around. With its unique location, here you can admire the magnificent natural beauty and fully immerse yourself in the cool atmosphere of the Northwest region.

2. Sapa Travel Guide – Muong Hoa Valley:

• Location: Hau Thao Commune, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Muong Hoa Valley is famous for its extensive terraced rice fields, creating a scenery akin to paradise. From September to November, you can witness the characteristic beauty of this valley as the rice terraces turn vibrant yellow. During the period from March to May, the valley is covered in fresh green. Additionally, you can also enjoy tranquility while wandering among the terraced fields or experience the adventure on the Cloud Bridge – a suspension bridge connecting both sides of the stream.
• In December, if you’re lucky, you can experience the scene of snowfall blanketing the valley, creating a splendid picture amidst the mountains. However, be prepared with warm clothing to cope with the cold weather.

3. Sapa Travel Guide – Ta Van Village:

• Location: Ta Van Commune, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Situated on the way to Silver Waterfall and Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van Village is an intriguing destination with the mystical beauty of the Northwest mountains and the unique cultural characteristics of ethnic minorities such as the Giay and Red Dao. Explore Ta Van Village with the help of your Sapa travel guide.

4. Sapa Travel Guide – Dragon Cloud Bridge:

• Location: O Quy Ho Pass, Sapa, Lao Cai – Lai Chau
• As the longest glass bridge in Southeast Asia, Dragon Cloud Bridge is not only an ideal destination for an exciting experience but also provides an exhilarating feeling for tourists. Experience the thrill of crossing Dragon Cloud Bridge with your Sapa travel guide.

5. Sapa Travel Guide – Sin Chai Village:

• Location: San Sa Ho Commune, currently Hoang Lien Commune, Sapa, Lao Cai
• In addition to Ta Van Village, Sin Chai Village is also an ideal tourist destination to experience the peace and wilderness of the Northwest. As the home of the Black Hmong ethnic group, you can explore many unique cultural aspects here with the assistance of your Sapa travel guide.

6. Sapa Travel Guide – Sapa Story:

• Location: 88 Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
• If Swing Sapa brings the ambiance of Bali to Sapa, then Sapa Story is equally appealing. This is where famous structures from around the world are meticulously recreated amidst the pristine landscape of the Northwest. Discover the wonders of Sapa Story with your Sapa travel guide.

7. Sapa Travel Guide – Ban Den Village:

• Location: Ban Ho Commune, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Ban Den Village is one of the top destinations to explore the beauty of Sapa while still maintaining a close connection with modern life. Here, as per the Sapa travel guide, you can admire the magnificent terraced fields and discover the distinctive culture of ethnic minorities.

8. Sapa Travel Guide – Silver Waterfall:

• Location: San Sa Ho Commune, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Located about 10km from Sapa town, Silver Waterfall is a must-visit destination in this area. With its pristine and majestic beauty, according to the Sapa travel guide, Silver Waterfall attracts both tourists and local residents.

Read More: Sapa Travel Locations: Best Places to Visit in Sapa

Tips for Traveling to Sapa

Based on the Sapa travel experiences of many visitors who have explored the region, here are 9 tips from the Sapa travel guide for travelers to remember when visiting Sapa:

• In the summer in Sapa, it’s advisable to bring a windbreaker and thicker clothing to ward off the cold, especially at night.
• When booking transportation or tours to Sapa, choose reputable transport companies recommended by the Sapa travel guide to ensure quality.
• Utilize means of transportation such as motorcycles to explore ethnic villages, as suggested by the Sapa travel guide.
• Typically, you can withdraw cash at ATMs in Sapa or use bank cards for payments, as advised in the Sapa travel guide.
• Prepare personal items such as moisturizer, heat patches, and sneakers when following the Sapa travel guide’s recommendations for traveling to Sapa.
• Check the weather beforehand and remember to bring a raincoat when necessary, as highlighted in the Sapa travel guide.
• Carefully inspect items when purchasing in the villages to avoid counterfeit or low-quality goods, as emphasized by the Sapa travel guide.
• If traveling with young children, choose convenient and family-friendly accommodations, as suggested in the Sapa travel guide.
• When enjoying local cuisine in Sapa, pay attention to specialty dishes and inquire about preparation methods and prices, as recommended by the Sapa travel guide.

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